Tag: how do i apply for section 8

What do I have to do to apply?

In order for someone to apply for section 8 online, they must first find a housing authority that is accepting section 8 applications.

Applications are always free when they are being accepted. Most housing authorities allow new applicants to apply online from their websites as oppose to showing up in person. PHA’s have been overwhelmed recently when they have instructed applicants to apply in person due to the high demand for subsidized housing.

Housing choice vouchers are administered by local public housing authorities (PHA’s), of which there are several in every state.

A section 8 housing application is the first step in applying online for section 8. Vouchers come as either project-based or tenant-based — see below for more details. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports PHAs, and your local PHA will help you arrange Section 8 housing.

Under a tenant-based voucher, a tenant gets a voucher and can move into a unit with financial assistance. If that tenant chooses to move to another unit, the voucher carries over to the next unit, offering continued assistance to the tenant wherever they decide to live after they apply for section 8.

Under a project-based voucher, a tenant gets assistance so long as they remain in the unit that the voucher was issued for. The voucher lasts for a specified unit and time. If the family chooses to leave the unit, the assistance does not carry over to the next unit. A family may still, however, be eligible for a tenant-based voucher.